Database Edits to In-Progress Stock Scenarios

[Korvar]

I think I know the answer to my own question, but someone might have an idea I haven't considered...

I'm looking to specify some new bitmap files for ship class refits which share a single bitmap file. Ideally I'd like to do this with an in-progress stock campaign (cue the laughter).

Of course, the editor won't allow the 1-25 stock scenario slots to be touched. Since I am not changing any of the gameplay data (armaments, devices, date of refit, etc.), I tried to re-save the stock scenario with one bitmap callout changed, then use the generated files to copy over the originals.

It prompted to update the database on the save game load but it indicated a write fail.

My interpretation of this is it is a anti-tampering measure which is preventing the write - not because there's an actual database issue. There's probably a bit that needs to be flipped in the scenario file, which is used to clear the block for official patches.


So, I think my options are as follows:

A) Re-save the original scenario under a new number, edit away, and start a new game
Probably what I'm going to do - update things as I progress through my 1st grand campaign (Dec 8 Quiet China), then roll them out to a new scenario for my next playthrough.

B) Use the rotating art feature to emulate refit aesthetic changes
It wouldn't always be aligned with the actual refits, but it could work in a pinch.


If anyone has ideas for a different way to address it, I'm all ears!

Edit: repeated text.

[Alfred]

The rotating art option isn't limited to ship refit/upgrade time.  You can specify a time period for its use.  The only real limitation is the number of available slots and that you can't have different schemes within the same ship class.
 
Alfred

[Korvar]

Thanks, Alfred.

I agree that the rotating art option is more suited to implementing the 'Measure' US camo schemes.

[Reg]

There was an earlier discussion on a forums with TomLabel regarding this.

Rotating art is based entirely on date though camo 'Measures' were usually applied with shipyard upgrades anyway so it is most efficient to just link the new graphic bitmaps to the editor ship class updates.

This is why a rotating ship art collection has not been released despite the code which fully supports it.

(read down from http://www.matrixgames.com/forums/fb.asp?m=2694744 )